F1 News: FIA Asked To Chase Parties Who Tried To 'Slander' The Governing Body And President Mohammed Ben Sulayem

Saajan Jogia | Apr 4, 2024

Nov 3, 2019; Austin, TX, USA; A view of the FIA Formula One flag before the United States Grand Prix / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The FIA Member Clubs and Sports Federations of the Americas have expressed solidarity by urging the FIA to pursue legal action against parties they believe have slandered the organization and its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. This request follows the recent clearance of the president of allegations of interference in Formula 1 events held in Saudi Arabia and Las Vegas in 2023.

Key Takeaways:

• The FIA Member Clubs and Sports Federations of the Americas urge the FIA to take legal action against those who allegedly slandered the organization and its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, following his clearance of allegations regarding interference in Formula 1 events in 2023.
• A whistleblower accused Ben Sulayem of involvement in overturning a penalty for Fernando Alonso in the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and impeding certification for the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
• After a probe, Ben Sulayem was cleared of wrongdoing, prompting the call for action against certain media members for damaging the FIA's reputation.

Amidst the array of controversies affecting Formula 1 this year, a whistleblower levied accusations against Ben Sulayem. These allegations included claims of his involvement in attempting to overturn a penalty for Fernando Alonso in the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Furthermore, a second accusation emerged concerning the 2023 inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, alleging his efforts to impede the circuit from obtaining certification.

May 8, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Dan Marino and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem applaud / John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The FIA Compliance Officer and its six-person Ethics Committee conducted a probe into the serious allegations against the governing body's president. After the investigation concluded, Ben Sulayem was cleared of any wrongdoing.

With the FIA now having a clean slate, the FIA Member Clubs and Sports Federations of the Americas have proposed that the governing body take action against certain "members of the print and digital media" for causing damage to the "FIA and its leadership, particularly the President".

The letter from the Member Clubs and Sports Federations of the Americas, published by the FIA, states:

“The FIA Ethics Committee, composed of external and independent members, has unanimously issued the report, in which they declare Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, is absolved of the unfounded accusations of interfering in the Formula 1 events held in Saudi Arabia and Las Vegas, in 2023.

“That the resolution of the Ethics Committee ratifies that the President of the FIA, Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, acted honourably, transparently and independently.

“That accusations of impropriety and unethical practices propagated by some members of the print and digital media were intended for the sole purpose of causing harm to the FIA and its leadership, particularly the President.

“That the selection of the FIA President is enshrined in the FIA Statutes and is the sole purview of its voting members and is not impacted by those from outside the organisation who attempt, for their own self-interest, to intervene.

“That we will recommend that the FIA initiate legal action against those who, without cause, slander the FIA and its leadership.

“We endorse and ratify our vote of confidence in support of Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, for his stewardship of the FIA and his progress to fulfilling his commitment to transform the FIA in an ethical and transparent manner in order to better serve its members.”

Nov 3, 2019; Austin, TX, USA; A view of the FIA Formula One flag before the United States Grand Prix / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports